Infinera reveals next generation ICE6, featuring 800G waves

Infinera has launched its sixth-generation Infinite Capacity Engine, ICE6, which features dual-channel 800Gb/s per wave.

Part of The Infinite Network, ICE6 builds on the ICE4 and Instant Bandwidth with a 1. 1.6Tb/s optical engine, allowing network operators to meet the bandwidth growth requirements and increasingly dynamic, unpredictable traffic flows.

Packaged in a cross-platform digital coherent module, ICE6 combines Infinera’s sixth-generation photonic integrated circuit (PIC) with its in-house 7nm FlexCoherent digital signal processor (DSP) technology. ICE6 is available with immediate effect and the FlexCoherent 6 DSP will be available in Q3-2019, with the complete ICE6 optical engine available by end of year, and platforms powered by ICE6 commercially available in the second half of 2020.

Featuring a second-generation probabilistic constellation shaping engine, powered by 7nm technology and a comprehensive toolkit of advanced coherent technologies, ICE6 will deliver up to 45 percent higher maximum capacity per fibre, streamlined operations and lowest total cost of ownership.

Dr Dave Welch, Infinera founder and chief innovation officer said: ‘Similar to the launch of ICE4, ICE6 will transform the market by delivering cutting-edge technology, designed in house, enabling network operators to respond to the insatiable demand for capacity quickly while optimising costs.’

Andrew Schmitt, directing analyst, optical networking at Cignal AI stated: 'Infinera has historically been a leader in photonic integration and at the forefront of developing solutions in house, exemplified by high-volume shipments of multiple generations of coherent engines. ICE6 should demonstrate similar leadership, with levels of optical performance that deliver greater capacity and reach for network operators.'

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